No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2018

ASC210 Equine Reproduction (8)

Abstract

This subject builds on content studied in biology and provides the opportunity to study the functional anatomy and physiology of the equine reproductive systems. Topics covered include anatomy of the mare and stallion reproductive tract, endocrine control of reproduction, seasonality, mare oestrous cycles, gametogenesis, physiology of the equine pregnancy and parturition, as well as basic genetic inheritance. On successfully completing this subject students will possess an understanding of the science behind the management decisions required when breeding horses and raising foals.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details prior to contacting their course coordinator: ASC210Where differences exist between the handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration

Grading System

School:

One session

HD/FL

School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences

Enrolment restrictions

This subject is restricted to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Equine Science and Bachelor of Equine Science (Business Management).

Prerequisite(s)

Incompatible subject(s)

(ASC106 or ASC148) and ASC171

ASC261

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to identify and describe the reproductive anatomy of the mare and stallion and discuss its function;

be able to describe the endocrine mechanisms that regulate equine reproduction and explain the physiological and behavioural changes that occur during the oestrous cycle and with changing seasons;

be able to describe the processes of gametogenesis and fertilisation in the horse;

be able to list and explain the major events of foetal development, placentation and parturition in the horse;

be able to explain the basic mechanisms of inheritance; and

be able to describe common genetic disorders of horses and carry out basic calculations to predict the possible outcomes for coat colour and genetic disorders for given examples.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:

The structure and function of the male and female equine reproductive systems.

Endocrine control of reproduction in the stallion.

Endocrine, physiological and behavioural events of the oestrus cycle in the mare.

Factors affecting puberty, anoestrus and seasonality in the equine.

Gametogenesis in the male and female horse.

Sperm production and output, parameters of the equine semen.

Process of gamete transportation and fertilisation.

Maternal recognition of pregnancy, placentation and foetal development, parturition and lactation in the mare.

Basic mechanisms of inheritance including structure, role and behaviour of chromosomes and genes, mendelian inheritance, common phenotypes that are determined or influenced by one or a few genes in horses, including coat colour and disorders with a genetic basis.